Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations

Schwarzenegger Sends Letter to Congress on Health Care Reform

On Friday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) sent a letter to congressional leaders expressing his support for national health care reform and describing his concerns about various proposals.

In the letter, Schwarzenegger described his views on three key issues:

Cost containment and affordability: The governor wrote that state governments will be unable to fund expansions to Medicaid programs without financial support from the federal government. He also urged lawmakers to develop new funding structures for long-term care services.

Universal coverage: The governor wrote that he supports efforts to expand health insurance coverage with an individual mandate and a requirement that insurers offer coverage. He also urged lawmakers to allow states to play a role in regulating health insurance exchanges (Office of the Governor release, 7/31).

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